For several years yohimbine has been the subject of various heated debates among fitness enthusiasts. Thus, in order put some arguments to rest, we have decided to decode what exactly yohimbine can do for you!
Yohimbe or to be more precise, its active ingredient yohimbine has faced a lot of flak and even been a part of several heated debates among fitness experts. Though originally yohimbine was considered a flop supplement because of its inefficiency to boosts the testosterone levels, which it was first suspected to do, today it has a cult following among men for its reported ability to boost sexual health.
Following that, today some supplement manufacturers have claimed that yohimbine can also aid in reducing that stubborn fat effectively. With stubborn fat, we mean those difficult areas, which just refuse to lean out no matter how hard you try. Typically, for men these stubborn areas include the midsection and for women it remains their glutes and thighs.
Amidst all the claims and hype, we have decided to take a deeper look at the matter and shed some much-needed light on the subject
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Some yohimbine facts
Yohimbe plant is a small evergreen tree and is a native to Africa. The bark of Yohimbe plant contains a substance called yohimbine, which is mostly used in male aphrodisiac. Additionally, the similar compound found in Yohimbe plant is known as indole alkaloids.
In medical terms, yohimbine is a pre-synaptic alpha -2 adrenergic blocking agents, which is also referred as an alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist. This action increases sympathetic nervous system activity, and can result in increasing the amounts of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine in the blood stream. Here the involvement of sympathetic nervous system helps in controlling the body’s response to stress and also triggers the flight response.
The major effects of both epinephrine and norepinephrine include the increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Yohimbine consumed in low dosage can also help greatly in maintaining healthy blood pressure, which is already in its normal range. It is thought to occur because of the dilation of blood vessels thereby reducing vascular resistance. However, this kind of central nervous stimulation may also lead to anxiety in some people.
RELATED ARTICLE: Diet Plan To Control High Blood Pressure
Yohimbine benefits
Improves Blood Circulation: Yohimbine is a natural vasodilator, which means it helps in expanding blood vessels. This promotes easier blood flow in the body and also improves circulation. Several studies have shown that yohimbine is highly effective in improving blood flow to extremities like hands and feet. Consumption of yohimbine in small dosages can lower blood pressure and increase heart rate, which can efficiently aid in the transportation of natural nutrients to working cells.
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Increases Fat Burning Process: Yohimbine is being used extensively in weight loss and fat burning supplements as an active ingredient. This is being done because of the results of some studies that have proved yohimbine’s effectiveness in removing stubborn fat and slimming down problem areas like thighs and abdomen.
The slimming results shown by yohimbine for weight loss supplements are because of the blockage of alpha 2 adrenoreceptors, which prevents the release of fat mobilizing hormones, norepinephrine. Consumption of yohimbine increases the levels of norepinephrine in your body, which makes your body break down fat cells. As a result blood flow in the fat tissues increases, which causes less fat to be retained by the body.
Suppresses Appetite: For those who are willing to lose weight yohimbine can help in appetite suppression. Studies have shown that consuming supplements with yohimbine reduces overall caloric intake and also neutralizes the feeling of hunger. Interestingly, one such study found that consuming yohimbine can reduce your carbohydrate and fat intake but there was no change in protein intake. This eventually helps in appetite suppression as protein increases the feelings of fullness. Also, your body tends to burn more calories while digesting protein as compared to carbohydrates or even fat.
Related Article: Guide To Appetite Control – Eat Less For More
Improves Sexual Health: Supplements that claim to optimize sexual health and also cure erectile dysfunction contain yohimbine as an active ingredient. This is because of the proven fact that yohimbine can increase blood flow to extremities and in this case to your genitals.
Additionally, yohimbine is known for bringing a slight increase in testosterone levels in men. Yohimbine can be important for women sexual health as it helps in increasing feelings of arousal.
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Side effects of Yohimbine
Though there are no very harmful side effects of yohimbine, but in some rare cases a person might complain of some possible hazards that include:
● Breathing problem
● Throat constrictions
● Swelling in facial area
● Hives as an allergic reaction
● Irregular heartbeat
If you notice any of these symptoms it is advised to consult with medical professional.
Some less serious side effects that a person might face include anxiety, headaches, irritability, dizziness, skin flushing, shaking and even hallucinogenic properties in some people. But all these occur only if you consume higher than recommended dosage of yohimbine.
Recommended dosage of Yohimbine
For bodybuilding and weight loss the recommended dosage of yohimbine is 5-20 mg two to three time a day. One dosage should be consumed at least 30 to 60 minutes prior to your training on your workout days.
If you wish to get yourself treated for erectile dysfunction then the recommended dosage of yohimbine is 5.4 milligrams three times a day.
However, the best way to identify dosage as per your requirement is to either consult your doctor or your trainer. You can also check the recommended dosage at the back of the yohimbine supplements pack you are consuming.
Take enough Yohimbe to provide 5-20mg of yohimbine per dose, two to three times per day; one dosage should be consumed 30-60 minutes prior to training-day workouts.
